We all age and as we age, our ability to do things the way we did them when we were younger decreases. This is part of aging. But many people worry that the normal changes we experience as we age signify more serious problems with cognitive decline. However, memory is not always associated with cognitive decline conditions like Alzheimer’s. This article helps explain what is normal and how normal is differentiated from symptoms that may be cause for concern.

“As Lisa Thomas-Laury reports, keeping our brains in good health is a big part in mastering the Art of Aging.

As we get older, changes occur in every part of the body. But few spark as much concern as changes in the brain.

“I lost my car keys, i forgot why i came into a room…”

Dr. Tom Graham, a Main Line Health neurologist, hears that all the time from people worried they’re losing their mental edge. But he says don’t worry – you’re not losing your memory.

“It used to be said that people lost IQ as they get older. What they lose is speed.”

Just like a computer, our brains also get over-stuffed with information – so we have a hard time finding the right mental file.

In addition, we’re juggling much more than when we were 18.

“What college student has a spouse, has a mortgage, has 3 kids,” says Dr. Graham.

“There’s just so many more things on the plate, that kind of fill up our working memory,” he continues.

He says most people who have dementia-related memory problems won’t even realize they have them.

“It’s not so much forgetting the answer to a question, but forgetting the question – and forgetting the question several times, over and over again.

For someone who DOES have thinking or memory problems, doctors first look at medical conditions that could be the cause – such as Vitamin B-12 deficiency, and even chronic, uncontrolled high blood pressure.

And not all dementias cause memory issues – they can have other signs – like getting lost – especially in familiar places…

Dr. Graham says in Alzheimer’s, memory loss is often the first sign, but other dementias show other signs:

The information on YourNaturalYouth.com is not intended to replace the diagnosis, treatment, and services of a physician. Always consult your physician or health care expert if you have any questions concerning your family's health. For severe or life-threatening conditions, seek immediate medical attention.